APNC establishes new centers for workforce behavioral health and problem gambling

Both centers are funded by the North Carolina Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services, and help to provide resources for all demographics.
Key Points
- The CEGAPP will provide education and training on gambling prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as thought leadership on problem gambling and addiction
- The PDC was designed to “strengthen the core professional skills” required to join the addiction workforce through training, mentorship and leadership development
The Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC) have launched two new centers funded by the North Carolina Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services, including the Center of Excellence for Addiction Policy and Practice (CEGAPP) and the Professional Development Center (PDC).
The CEGAPP will provide education and training on gambling prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as thought leadership on problem gambling and addiction for all demographics.
“Gambling is the most accessible addiction in our society today, yet behavioral health has historically not addressed it with the urgency it deserves,” APNC CEO Sara Howe said.
“That’s why we created this new center — to become the leader on this issue. Addressing gambling addiction requires a comprehensive approach, and we are committed to driving change from every avenue necessary.”
The PDC was designed to “strengthen the core professional skills” required to join the addiction workforce through training, mentorship and leadership development.
Good to know: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission released its statewide sports wagering report for the month for June 2025 on July 10, as bettors wagered over $420.7m throughout the month
“Workforce development has been a focus for several initiatives in our field, but APNC members noticed a gap between workforce and professional development,” APNC EVP Morgan Coyner said.
“Once we recruit individuals into our field, how do we ensure they are successful and prepared for not just their current job but a dynamic career path? That’s what the PDC was created to address.”
CEGAPP will also look to ensure state policies support effective prevention, treatment and recovery, while increasing public awareness regarding the harms of gambling.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.